Body image in men with spinal cord injury: implications for rehabilitation and beyond

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) has a dramatic effect on the function and appearance of the body. The first chapter of this thesis is a literature review which focuses on studies with participants who have incurred an alteration to their appearance due to a health condition. The implications of these studies for the likely impact of Body Image (BI) in men with SCI are considered. Cognitive and disfigurement models of BI are reviewed and research evidence evaluated. Results reveal that whilst the extent of appearance change is an important predictor of BI dissatisfaction, further variation is explained by the strategies individuals use to cope with the alteration in their appearance. BI dissatisfaction appears to impact upon the psychosocial wellbeing of both men and women and can also affect physical health. Further research is therefore needed in order to explore the links between appearance change, methods of coping and BI dissatisfaction, particularly in men with SCI.
The second chapter reports on a cross sectional study of 102 male participants with SCI, which revealed group differences in BI dissatisfaction between inpatients and outpatients, who are established in the community. BI investment was found to moderate the effect of BI evaluation on low mood. The use of maladaptive coping strategies was also found to moderate the relationship between BI dissatisfaction and BI quality of life. Evidence suggests that BI should be assessed and BI dissatisfaction monitored after discharge from rehabilitation hospitals. Clinical intervention could focus upon reducing the use of maladaptive coping strategies, in order to reduce the impact of BI dissatisfaction upon quality of life.

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ORCID for Catherine Brignell: orcid.org/0000-0001-7768-6272

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